Re-Imagineered Space Mountain To Open July 15

Anaheim, CA — On May 27, 1977, the U.S. Mercury Astronauts (the first men in space) took the first official flight on " Space Mountain " during its grand opening festivities. Almost instantly the state-of-the-art thrill attraction garnered a reputation for fun and excitement thus becoming one of the most perennially popular attractions at Disneyland Park.

Space Mountain, one of the most popular attractions at the Disneyland Resort.

On July 15, Disneyland in celebration of its milestone 50th anniversary will re-introduce, a re-imagineered version of this landmark Tomorrowland attraction. The reopening of Space Mountain will be just in time for Disneyland's official 50th birthday that happens two days later on July 17.

After a two-year hiatus Space Mountain will return having undergone a major transformation to ensure that it remains one of the most famous, exciting and cutting-edge Disney theme park adventures of all-time. Already visible from the exterior is the return of the familiar gleaming white color to the futuristic spines and slopes of the mountain itself.

"We're preserving the underlying storyline and visual style of the attraction to stay true to the many loyal fans of Space Mountain," said Barry Braverman, senior vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering. "Additionally we're adding a new generation of special effects, state-of-the-art show elements, new rocket vehicles and an upgraded sound system to take it to a whole new level."

The boarding area will feature a new hi-tech launch port and an updated vehicle probe. Guests will feel as if they have a first-hand look into space, as a space station rotates around the earth. After launching through a disorienting tunnel, riders will have a close encounter with a large meteorite. "We call it our 'surprise in the sky,'" added Braverman.

The remainder of the pulse-racing adventure will be filled with billions of stars racing by and an all-new edgy, heart-pounding instrumental sound track before guests experience an entirely new finale featuring a longer re-entry tunnel filled with spectacular lighting effects.

"The attraction will still be fast, dark and unpredictable," said Braverman. "It will be a thoroughly re-Imagineered Space Mountain for the 21 st century."